Crankbait Size

[St Croix Boy]

I need to load up on some cranks for my annual trip to LOTW end of May. Our method of attack is slow trolling around islands at 8 to 14ft depth. My buddys insist that smaller cranks like size 7 are better, because of the cold, early water. I figure size 9 and larger, because fish won't expend energy chasing an appetizer when they want a meal. I'd like you guys ideas before I go drop my $$ on cranks!!!
I'm already in the dog house with the "Old Pros." on this trip for suggesting anything new. These guys don't use ANYTHING but small BLUE Rapalas, mostly Shad Raps. 12 guys in 6 boats trolling the same islands, same depth using SAME lure from sun-up to sun-down for a week.
So.. What size? what colors?
Thanks
St Criox Boy

[GORD]

You are a thinker. That is good. I bet you'll smoke your buddies. Go to the Rapala web site. There is a lot of info there about many things including sizes and colors. I've had very good luck pulling crawler/spinner harnesses behind three way rigs with a 2ft lighter drop line and a 2-5 oz. weight. Berkley Walleye Power Worms work well on crawler harnesses. OR I'd pull a husky jerk (it rattles) behind a three way rig. With a three way rig and a shallow crank YOU CAN CONTROL YOUR FISHING DEPTH. You will be able to follow the contour of the bottom. Will your buddies be able to do that?